Costco’s buffalo chicken bites are a delicious and convenient appetizer that can be prepared quickly and easily. Knowing how long to cook them is key to ensuring they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
Quick Answer
The recommended cooking time for Costco’s buffalo chicken bites is 14-16 minutes in a preheated 400°F oven. This allows the outside to get crispy without overcooking the inside.
Detailed Answer
Costco’s buffalo chicken bites come fully cooked, so they just need to be heated through until hot and crispy. The package instructions state to cook for 14-16 minutes in a 400°F oven. This timing is ideal for getting the best texture.
Here are some more details on cooking times and tips:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Use the convection setting if available for crispier bites.
- Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Cook for 14-16 minutes, until hot throughout and browned and crispy on the outside.
- Check them at 14 minutes – they may be done or need another 1-2 minutes if not quite crisp enough.
- Avoid overcooking, as they can dry out if cooked for too long.
- For extra crispiness, you can optionally broil the bites for 1-2 minutes at the end.
The size of the bites and thickness of the coating may vary slightly between packages, so keeping an eye on them as they cook and testing doneness is recommended. Use a fork to open one up – the chicken inside should be hot and cooked through without any pinkness.
Tips for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bites
Follow these tips for getting the crispiest oven-baked buffalo chicken bites:
- Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for best results.
- Arrange the bites in a single layer, not overlapping.
- Brush lightly with oil or nonstick cooking spray to promote browning.
- Flip the bites halfway during cooking for even crisping.
- Finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes if they need more crunch.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving – this helps them firm up.
Serving and Dipping Sauce Options
Costco’s buffalo chicken bites are fantastic on their own but also pair well with dipping sauces. Here are some tasty dip ideas:
- Ranch dressing – A cooling complement to the spicy bites.
- Blue cheese dressing – The classic pairing for buffalo chicken.
- Honey mustard – Sweet and tangy.
- BBQ sauce – For a touch of smoky sweetness.
For convenience, Costco sells buffalo and ranch dipping sauces made to pair perfectly with the chicken bites. Drizzle the sauces over the bites when serving or use for dipping.
Storing Leftover Buffalo Chicken Bites
Properly stored, leftover buffalo chicken bites will keep for:
- 3-4 days in the refrigerator
- 2-3 months in the freezer
To store leftover cooked chicken bites:
- Let the bites cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
- For fridge storage, keep for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezer storage, keep for 2-3 months. Place a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Reheat leftover refrigerated bites in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Do not microwave.
- To reheat frozen bites, bake at 400°F for 14-18 minutes from frozen state.
Cost Analysis of Costco Buffalo Chicken Bites
Costco’s buffalo chicken bites provide a cost-effective appetizer option, especially for feeding a crowd. Here is a cost breakdown:
| Product | Amount | Price | Cost per Bite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Buffalo Chicken Bites | 3 lbs | $18.99 | $0.13 |
Key notes:
- A 3 lb bag contains approximately 56 bites.
- At $18.99 per 3 lb bag, the cost per bite is around $0.13.
- This is very economical compared to buying frozen prepared appetizers from the supermarket.
- Making bites from scratch would likely cost at least 2-3 times more per piece.
For an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer at a great value, Costco’s buffalo chicken bites can’t be beat!
Nutrition Information of Costco Buffalo Chicken Bites
Costco’s buffalo chicken bites are a lean, high-protein appetizer. Here is the nutrition information per 6 pieces (85g):
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170 | 8g | 6g | 16g |
Noteworthy nutrition facts:
- Low in calories and fat compared to many fried appetizers.
- Provide 16g high-quality protein per serving.
- Contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
- Can fit into a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
How Costco Buffalo Chicken Bites Are Made
Costco’s Kirkland brand buffalo chicken bites are made with simple wholesome ingredients:
- Chicken breast – The first ingredient, provides lean protein.
- Whole wheat flour – Adds fiber and nutrients.
- Buffalo sauce – Cayenne pepper, vinegar, and spices create the signature flavor.
- Breading – Provides the crispy coating when baked.
The manufacturing process involves:
- Trimming and cubing chicken breast into bite-size pieces.
- Tumbling the chicken in buffalo sauce to absorb flavor.
- Dredging bites in whole wheat flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs.
- Par-frying for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Cooling and freezing chicken bites to seal in flavor.
- Packaging into resealable bags to maintain freshness.
By par-frying then freezing, the chicken bites achieve a perfectly crispy texture when baked at home with no deep frying required.
How to Make Your Own Copycat Costco Buffalo Chicken Bites
You can recreate delicious homemade versions of Costco’s buffalo chicken bites using this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Toss chicken cubes with buffalo wing sauce in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs into separate shallow dishes.
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
- Place breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake at 400°F for 14-16 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Follow proper food safety guidelines and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Enjoy these easy homemade buffalo chicken bites just like Costco’s version!
Conclusion
Costco’s buffalo chicken bites require just 14-16 minutes of cooking time in a 400°F oven to get perfectly crispy and cooked through. Allowing them to cook fully ensures the coating gets crispy without overdrying the chicken. Pair with dipping sauces and enjoy this quick and delicious appetizer option that costs a fraction of restaurant prices. Making homemade copycat versions is easy when you have the simple recipe.